When the Vegas Golden Knights traded for Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames, it wasn’t just a roster upgrade-it was a loud, unmistakable signal: Vegas is going for it. Again.
Andersson joins a growing list of big-name acquisitions that includes Jack Eichel, Tomas Hertl, and Mitch Marner. Each move has followed the same pattern-general manager Kelly McCrimmon pushing his chips to the center of the table, sacrificing future assets in the name of present-day hardware. If there’s a window to win, McCrimmon is going to pry it open with both hands.
It’s a bold approach, and it’s made Vegas one of the most aggressive front offices in the NHL. Not everyone loves it, of course.
Some fans and pundits bristle at the team’s all-in mentality, especially when it comes at the expense of first-round picks and promising prospects. But let’s be honest-critics haven’t slowed the Golden Knights down yet, and they’re not likely to start now.
So where does that leave Vegas with the trade deadline fast approaching?
Cap Space, Picks, and Possibilities
As of now, the Golden Knights have just over $3.8 million in deadline cap space (per PuckPedia). That’s not a war chest, but it’s enough to make another meaningful move if the right opportunity presents itself. The challenge is balancing that flexibility with the reality of a depleted draft pick stash and a thinned-out prospect pool.
Vegas has already spent heavily to build this roster, and the cost has been steep-both in terms of picks and young talent. The organization’s draft capital over the next few years is limited, and their once-deep prospect pipeline has been steadily drained.
That doesn’t mean another deal is off the table, but it does mean McCrimmon would have to get creative. Again.
There’s also the health of the roster to consider. Several return timelines remain uncertain, which complicates decisions. But if the current group can stay healthy-and especially if the goaltending stabilizes-Vegas may not feel the urgency to make another splash.
Between the Pipes: Holding Steady
Goaltending is always a key variable at this time of year, and the Golden Knights’ situation is no exception. Adin Hill looked sharp in a recent win over the Kings, showing flashes of the form that helped carry Vegas to a Stanley Cup. Akira Schmid has held his own as well, giving the Knights a serviceable tandem for the stretch run.
If Hill can stay healthy and consistent, the front office might feel less pressure to shop for help in net. That alone could shift the deadline calculus.
Don’t Count Out McCrimmon
Still, if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Kelly McCrimmon, it’s this: Never count him out. He’s not afraid to part with fan favorites or former top picks if it means improving the roster.
Nicolas Hague and Zach Whitecloud are gone. Peyton Krebs and David Edstrom were once seen as foundational pieces-now they’re part of the price Vegas paid to chase banners.
And that’s what makes this team so fascinating. McCrimmon has a track record of pulling off moves that few see coming.
Just look at the 2024 deadline-he landed both Noah Hanifin and Tomas Hertl, and both became key contributors in a deep playoff run. When Vegas sees a window, they don’t hesitate.
They go through it.
Right now, it looks like the big move has already been made. Andersson is a legitimate top-pairing defenseman, and the Knights paid a hefty price to bring him in. That could be it for this deadline.
But with McCrimmon, you never really know. He’s shown time and again that he can work around the margins-or shake up the entire board-depending on what the moment calls for. And with the Golden Knights still firmly in the mix for another Cup, don’t be surprised if there’s one more twist before the deadline buzzer sounds.
In Vegas, the stakes are always high. And the front office plays to win.